Thursday, February 14, 2013

Comments sought on Flathead River Hybrid Trout Suppression Project

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP), Region One, is seeking public comment for the Flathead River Hybrid Trout Suppression Project. FWP proposes to continue removing hybrid and rainbow trout from the mouths and channels of Abbot, Sekokini, Rabe, Ivy, and Third Creeks in the main stem and the North Fork of the Flathead River. Trapping and electrofishing would be used to catch fish during their spawning season (April-May) and move them to community fishing ponds. FWP would also electrofish between July and September to remove hybrid and rainbow trout offspring. The goal of the proposed suppression effort is to minimize the loss of westslope cutthroat trout populations in the Flathead River system.

The draft is out for a 30-day public review through March 8, 2013. Please contact FWP Fisheries Biologist Amber Steed, (406) 751-4541 or e-mail to asteed@mt.gov with questions or comments.